New Jersey County Government

New Jersey County Government provides regional administration and services across New Jersey's 21 counties. County government operates under the New Jersey State Constitution and general county law. The primary legislative and executive body in each county is the Board of County Commissioners, formerly known as the Board of Freeholders until legislative changes in 2021 renamed the position to county commissioner statewide.

Overview

New Jersey counties provide services and governance at the regional level that transcend individual municipal boundaries. County government is separate from municipal government, and the two operate as distinct sovereignties under state law. Each county maintains its own elected officials, budget, and administrative structure.

Counties exercise authority in areas including:

Land records and deed registration
County court system administration
County prosecutor and law enforcement
County welfare and social services
County roads and infrastructure
County parks and recreation
Countywide planning and development
Agricultural services

Board of County Commissioners

The primary legislative and executive body in each New Jersey county is the Board of County Commissioners (historically called the Board of Freeholders). The board typically consists of five, seven, or nine members elected by county voters. Members serve staggered four-year terms; in each election cycle, a portion of the board stands for reelection.

Board composition varies by county charter:

Some boards elect a chairperson by voters
Some boards elect a chairperson from among the elected commissioners
Some boards designate a director or president who serves as chief administrator

The board exercises legislative authority over county affairs, adopts the county budget, approves county ordinances, and appoints key county officials. The board also hires the county administrator (county manager) who oversees day-to-day county operations.

Freeholder to Commissioner Transition

In 2021, New Jersey renamed the position of "county freeholder" to "county commissioner" statewide, effective with the elections held that year. The change was intended to modernize terminology and terminology more clearly convey the elected representative nature of the office. Incumbents serving in the freeholder position transitioned to the commissioner title; all subsequent elections filled commissioner seats.

Constitutional County Officers

In addition to commissioners, New Jersey counties have constitutionally established county officers:

County Clerk - records and manages county documents
County Surrogate - probate court judge handling wills, estates, and trusts
County Sheriff - elected law enforcement officer
County Prosecutor - chief county law enforcement attorney and prosecutor

These officers are elected by county voters and serve fixed terms, typically four years.

County Administrator

Most counties employ a County Administrator (also called County Manager), a professional administrator hired by the Board of County Commissioners to manage county operations. The administrator supervises county departments and employees, prepares the county budget under board direction, and implements board policies.

County Departments

County government typically includes departments such as:

County Prosecutor Office - handles criminal prosecution and law enforcement matters
County Clerk - records and document management
County Surrogate Court - probate and estate matters
County Sheriff - detention facilities and law enforcement
Department of Human Services - welfare, family services, and social programs
County Engineering - infrastructure planning and management
County Planning - regional land use and development planning
County Parks - parks and recreation management
County Health Department - public health services
Cooperative Extension Service - agricultural and consumer services

County vs. Municipal Government

County government and municipal government are separate systems in New Jersey. Municipalities (cities, townships, boroughs, towns, villages) exercise powers including local police, municipal services, zoning, and land use regulation. Counties exercise broader regional functions and countywide planning. Some services (such as public safety) are provided by both municipalities and counties depending on jurisdiction.

A property may be subject to jurisdiction of both a municipality and a county, with each levying separate property taxes to fund their respective services.

County Boards of Taxation

Each New Jersey county maintains a Board of Taxation that hears property assessment disputes. This county administrative body reviews property tax assessments and may adjust assessments if evidence supports lower valuations. Appeals from the county board of taxation may be taken to the New Jersey Tax Court for judicial review.

County Court System

County government operates the county court system, which includes:

County judges handling civil, criminal, family, and probate matters
County prosecutor offices handling criminal prosecution
County surrogates handling probate and estate matters

The county court system is distinct from municipal courts, which are established by municipalities for minor civil and criminal matters.

Inter-County Services

Some services are provided on a multi-county basis by regional agencies or state authorities:

State police
Some transportation and infrastructure
Environmental protection
Coordinated emergency services

References